Despite leading by double digits in the third quarter and trailing by just one entering the fourth quarter, the Hornets were blown out on Monday night, falling to Utah 132-110.
The Hornets matched the Jazz shot-for-shot for much of the first half and went on their own run in the third quarter to open up an 81-70 lead just shy of the midway point of the third period. From there, visiting Charlotte was outscored 62-29 in the final 18:50 of the game.
For the second time this season, Utah set a franchise record for 3-pointers against the Hornets, finishing with 28 makes in 55 attempts on Monday. Across the two games against Charlotte this season, Utah shot 53-for-105 (50.4%) from 3-point territory.
Of greater concern than the final result for Utah, though, was an injury late in the third to Gordon Hayward. After falling on his right hand, Hayward exited the game and did not return. The Hornets announced that he had re-aggravated a right hand injury, likely the broken bone he suffered in the preseason.
LaMelo Ball and Hayward each finished with 21 points to lead Charlotte while Malik Monk had 20.
